BJP MLAs, potential allies want Manohar Parrikar as CM

Panaji: Newly elected BJP MLAs on Sunday passed a resolution demanding the return of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister of Goa. So, is the demand of two potential allies of BJP to its central leadership.

Parrikar was Chief Minister of Goa before he was elevated as the Defence Minister in November 2014

The resolution was passed at a meeting of BJP MLAs at a meeting attended by Parrikar, union minister Nitin Gadkari and caretaker Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

Parrikar left the meeting temporarily when the resolution was passed, BJP MLA Michael Lobo told reporters.

“We want Parrikar as the CM of Goa. We have faxed our resolution to party President Amit Shah,” Lobo told reporters.

Parrikar was Chief Minister of Goa before he was elevated as the Defence Minister in November 2014.

Lobo also said that the leaders of the BJP, which emerged as the second largest party in the February 4 election with 13 of the 40 seats seats, were in talks with Goa Forward and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) as well as independents over the formation of an alliance.

Both the regional parties have won three seats each and they too have directly written to BJP president Amit Shah to appoint Parrikar as CM if the party wishes to have their respective support to form the next government in the state.

There is a clear possibility of even the three independent candidates extending their support to a BJP led government, said sources.

It may be mentioned here that the BJP needs the support of eight MLAs to reach the magic number of 21 seats in the assembly. The Congress has won 17 seats and is the single largest party.

“We are confident of getting the required numbers and stake claim to form the government on Monday,” Lobo said.